Operational information is information held by an agency to assist it to perform its powers and functions, in making decisions or recommendations affecting members of the public (or any particular person or entity, or class of persons or entities)

information that is available to members of the public otherwise than by being published by the agency (s 8A(2))

exempt matter (s 8C(1))

information that is restricted or prohibited from publication under an enactment (s 8C(2))

information held by the agency to assist the agency to perform their incidental powers and functions

The publication of operational information ensures that individuals can be adequately informed

Agencies may consider publishing the following ‘optional information’ (s 8(4)):

information published by other agencies that is relevant to their customers

information held by the agency to assist the agency to perform or exercise incidental functions and powers (i.e. the agency’s corporate functions, like HR and finance)

OUR REPORTS & RESPONSES TO PARLIAMENT

Annual Reports

s 8(2)(e)

The information in annual reports prepared by the agency that are laid before the Parliament

For example:

Annual Reports required under the Public Service Act

Annual Reports required under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act

It is open to agencies to publish other agency reports laid before Parliament as ‘optional information’ (s 8(4))

Parliamentary Information

s 8(2)(h)

Information routinely provided to Parliament in response to requests and orders from the Parliament

For example:

Departmental file lists

list of departmental contracts

list of advertising/public information projects ( over $100,000)

information requested from an agency by parliament through a committee.

answers provided to a Question on Notice in the Parliament

an agency submission to a Parliamentary Committee

This requirement operates alongside the Guidelines for the Presentation of Documents to Parliament (PM&C Guidelines)

Agencies may consider publishing as ‘optional information’ (s 8(4)):

answers provided to a Question on Notice in the Parliament

agency submission to a Parliamentary Committee

ROUTINELY REQUESTED INFORMATION & DISCLOSURE LOG

Information routinely given through FOI access requests

s 8(2)(g)

Information in documents routinely accessed through FOI requests

personal information

business or professional affairs of any person

other information determined by the Information Commissioner to be unreasonable to publish

This requirement should be considered together with the ‘disclosure log’ requirements in s 11C.

Disclosure Log

s 11C

Information that has been released in response to an FOI request

personal information

business or professional affairs of any person

other information determined by the Information Commissioner to be unreasonable to publish

CONSULTATION ARRANGEMENTS

Consultation Arrangements

s 8(2)(f)

Details of consultation arrangements for the public to comment on policy proposals for which the agency is responsible

Details of how, and to whom, comments may be submitted

Targeted consultation undertaken for a specific purpose as required by statute

CONTACT US

Contact Officers

s 8(2)(i)

Details of an officer who can be contacted about access to agency information or documents under FOI Act